A Crawford for Werth Swap

I heard in passing on the Baseball America podcast from 11/17 that the Nationals should offer to trade Jayson Werth to Boston for Carl Crawford. It sounds kind of crazy, but when you think about it, it also kind of makes sense. While neither team is thrilled with the performances that their players gave in the first year of their mega-deals, I think that both teams are too stubborn to give up on their guy after one year... but what if.

When you look at it from the players perspective, you would think that the move would have a chance to jumpstart them after down years. Crawford, who didn't seem to adapt well to the pressures of the big market, the media, and the expectation of winning, would move to Washington.  A place where the expectations are lower. He wouldn't be expected to take them to the playoffs, and could move back up to the top of the order. 

Jayson Werth, on the other hand, would move to Boston, an environment similar to that of Philadelphia, where he performed well. He could move back down in the order, where he appears more comfortable. He could drive in runs, instead of being expected to get on base and score them. He'd be a complimentary piece in Boston, and find himself in a very similar role to that of his Philadelphia days. 

Assuming that the players would respond well to the swap, the next question is; how the teams would respond? In Boston, they're now looking for a right fielder with J.D. Drew now a free agent, never to return. Werth would fit well in Boston's right field. He's a plus defender in a corner spot, and right field in Fenway is much more demanding than left. His right handed bat would also bring balance to the Red Sox lineup. 

Crawford also fits very well with what Washington seems to be doing. Bryce Harper will take over that right field job whenever he is ready, and that would force Werth out of position, possibly to a brutal center field. Crawford is a left fielder, who's defensive value would be realized in Nationals Park, instead of being muted by the Green Monster of Fenway Park. Crawford could also serve as the table setter at the top of the Nationals lineup that they've been searching for. And given the green light, could run wild in the National League. 

It's a trade that I don't think will ever be made, but we have seen teams swap bad contracts. The most recent one that comes to mind is the Mariners sending Carlos Silva to the Cubs in exchange for Milton Bradley.  After which, Carlos Silva played well for a half season.  It makes you wonder though, if each team had interest in the other player last offseason, since they seem like more natural fits in the opposite city.